Our first ever glamping experience was our trip last year to Wriggly Tin Shepherds Huts. If you’ve been following us since then, you probably know that we absolutely loved it and just got back from our second trip there! However, even though we loved every second of our first glamping trip, we definitely realized that glamping isn’t as carefree as we initially expected it to be. And there is definitely an art to preparing for a glamping trip! Sure, we knew we would be dealing with limited connectivity and life in the great outdoors, but for some reason it didn’t hit us that having to cook on an open stove with limited resources might be different than what we’re used to (crazy, right!?). Preparing for our first glamping trip was made so much easier by the wonderful world of the Internet; we perused plenty of glamping related blog posts to find out everything we needed to know about how to prepare for a glamping trip. So, in turn, we’ve decided to create one to help you out on your next glamping trip!
We’re calling this a list of things to do before glamping specifically, not camping, because we are making some assumptions that basic necessities will be available, like they were to us at Wriggly Tin (and later in our bell tent at Portnellan Farm). Of course, if you’re going camping, this list is much longer and involves a much bigger packing list. With glamping, the infrastructure is already there – it’s like staying in a hotel, but in the wilderness, with limited connectivity & no room service – unless you order an arrival meal from Alex at Wriggly Tin, that is (which we highly recommend!).
How to Prepare for a Glamping Trip
1. Research the location you’re going to
Find out as much information as possible about the site you’ll be glamping at. Here are some questions you might want to find out the answer to:
- How many people might be staying at the site?
- Where is your hut/tent/cabin located on the site?
- What are the toilet & shower facilities like on site and where are they located? Do you need to bring your own toiletries?
- What is there to do in the area? Is it within walking distance? Do you require a car?
- What are the food options on site? Can you order meals, or do you need to prepare your own? Are you easily able to get to a restaurant or pub? If so, do those restaurants tend to require reservations?
- Is there a grocery or convenience store on site or nearby? Which items do you need to bring with you?
- Does the site offer any additional facilities – pool, game room, cafe, etc.? If not, how are you planning on passing the time?
Asking yourself these questions will help you figure out everything you need to figure out for the below things to do, as well as give you peace of mind before your glamping adventure.
2. Make a meal plan & prepare anything you need to prepare at home
It’s so easy to go on vacation without thinking twice about what you are going to eat while there. After all, when you’re staying in a hotel, room service or restaurants are always an option! When camping or glamping, though, a bit more thought needs to go into it.
After researching, you should have a pretty good idea of what you need to bring glamping with you, particularly with regards to food. If your glampsite does not offer any readymade meals or have a restaurant, it is likely you will be cooking everything on your own. Even more, you’ll be cooking it over an open fire or wood-burning stove. Take that into consideration when planning your meals!
Meals were in the back of our mind before our recent glamping trip to Wriggly Tin Shepherds Huts. However, we loved the meal ideas we came across on The Londoner! Glamping ready pancakes and mac and cheese? Sold! Putting together pre-made meals like these can make your glamping trip all the more carefree.
Also, if you’re traveling with a pet, make sure you pre-package all of their food as well. There is nothing more stressful than running out of pet food in the middle of a weekend away!
READ MORE: Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Travel Accessories
3. Stock up on reading material
One of the most important things to do before glamping is to prepare your activities for the trip. Unless you are an avid hiker who will be glamping in the mountains, it is likely that your trip will contain lots of downtime, particularly in the evenings. Whether you choose to spend this reading or playing boardgames, it is essential to make sure you have everything you need before you go. For us, this means stocking up on reading material (magazines, as well as books downloaded to our Kindles), packing a few boardgames, and downloading a couple of podcasts to listen to while lounging around.
We’re currently reading:
- Kelly – Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
- Sean – Business for Punks
Follow along with everything Kelly’s reading over on Mongan Moments.
4. Charge up all of your devices
It is likely that you will have minimal electricity at your glampsite. Even the most sophisticated destinations choose not to offer plugs in their tents/cabins/etc., and for a very good reason. This is your chance to unwind, so take it! However, we rely so much on electricity these days that, even with limited cell service and no wifi, we still require charged electronics: a phone (& charged camera batteries) for taking photos, Kindles or tablets for reading or watching a movie, and even things as silly as FitBits for tracking our steps while out and about in the countryside.
To ensure that you can use everything for the duration of your trip, charge it all up to 100% before you go! Then, charge up a power bank fully and only use it when you absolutely need it; our favorite power bank always lasts us a full weekend away!
Note on electronics: Leave your laptop at home! Turn to pen and paper for random moments of inspiration, and if you’re trying to watch a movie, download it onto another medium if you have one. As much as you try, it’s hard to truly relax around that device that you use all day, everyday for work purposes.
READ MORE: Glamping Destinations Around the World
5. Check the weather before you go!
While planning & preparing for a glamping trip, it’s important to check the weather constantly. However, make sure you also give it one more check before you walk out the door in case it has suddenly changed. A sunny weekend glamping might mean long walks in the countryside and dips in a local river; however, a rainy weekend could have you holed up in your accommodation the entire time. If that’s the case, you’ll want extra layers, extra books, and a bit of a warning that that is what your weekend will look like!
Regardless of the weather, we recommend you pack all-weather essentials for your glamping trip: a raincoat, an umbrella, and wellies! Those things will cover you in almost every situation – at least in England! Even if it’s not raining on your trip, it’s possible that you’ll come across muddy patches and will be wanting your wellies.
Everything you Need for a Glamping Trip
From essentials to entertainment, here are some of our favorite items for glamping trips. Just don’t forget your flip flops for late night walks to the bathroom or your raincoat for sudden downpours!
Ideas for Entertainment while Glamping
Essential Items for Glamping Trips
Our return trip to Wriggly Tin was almost effortless since we knew what to expect! But, later this summer, we’ll be glamping somewhere completely new, so will be following these tips to ensure we do everything we can to prepare for our glamping trip. If you have any other tips, drop them in the comments below!
Pin this post for later!
Super helpful post! I still haven’t been glamping but I hope to. I’ll save this to re-read when I do
It’s so fun and there are some beautiful glamping spots around the world. We definitely recommend you go if you have the opportunity!